Plymouth Argyle star backed for Celtic FC transfer jump - 'absolute belter' claim issued | OneFootball

Plymouth striker Lorent Tolaj has been linked with a move to Scottish side Celtic as of late

Plymouth Argyle's recent resurgence up the League One table has been an extraordinary turnaround under the guidance of former Watford boss Tom Cleverely, though the Pilgrims' success may come with a price.

Plymouth started the 2025/26 season under difficult circumstances, dealing with the relegation they had just endured and the surprise departure of Bosnian boss Miron Muslic.

Former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Tom Clevelerley was the person chosen to take the reins at Home Park, having recently been dismissed from his own role at Championship side Watford.

The Pilgrims initially struggled to adapt to life back in the third tier, with a run of six defeats on the bounce between October and November seeming like Cleverley's position at the helm would surely come to an end.

However, owner Simon Hallett persevered, in a decision which looks to have paid dividends, with Argyle flying up the table and now within touching distance of the top-six after an excellent run of form.

Aribim Pepple's turnaround in form has arguably been the highlight of their resurgence, with the Canadian and his Swiss teammate seeing links to a European giant emerge following this revelation.

Lorent Tolaj 'has all the attributes' to make the jump to Celtic amid links

Scottish titans Celtic are one of a number of clubs interested in Plymouth's Swiss forward Lorent Tolaj this summer, with the club said to be leading the race for him and teammate Pepple.

Tolaj joined Plymouth from League One rivals Port Vale in the summer after the Pilgrims paid his £1.2 million release clause to bring him to Home Park, where he has thrived despite their early-season woes.

Football League World's Plymouth fan pundit, Luke, has provided his opinion on whether he believe Tolaj is capable of making the step-up to Celtic amid rumours that the Scottish giants are chasing the Swiss forward.

Luke said, "From what I've seen with my own eyes this season of Lorent Tolaj at Argyle, in my opinion, he's more than capable of being a star at Celtic.

"He has all the attributes, and strikers like him don't come around very often. His work ethic and his desire are a given every game, and, as a fan, you really can't ask for much more than that.

"But then you add his finishing prowess, his strength, his in-game football intelligence and, at just 24, you've got yourself an absolute belter of a footballer whose trajectory is firmly on the rise.

"He plays with maturity beyond his years. He's got clever movement. His sharp instincts in the box and the physicality to handle robust defences.

"But is stepping up to Celtic a challenge? Well, yeah, of course it is. It's different expectations. You know, things like European nights, it's a bigger spotlight. But based on what I've seen and on his current level and attitude, I don't think it's too big a jump for him.

"With a proper bedding-in period and competition pushing him, he's absolutely good enough to stake a claim as a starter striker at Celtic."

Tom Cleverley will be reluctant to see Lorent Tolaj leave Plymouth Argyle this summer after his impact in Devon

Indeed, few people will be as reluctant to see Tolaj depart Home Park this summer than head coach Cleverley.

In their 5-2 home win over table-toppers Cardiff City, we caught a glimpse of what a front line containing both Tolaj and Pepple might look like, and with the directly involved in each of their first four goals, it's an exciting prospect for Plymouth supporters.

The Swiss' rapid rise through the divisions, having played for Aldershot Town in non-league as recently as 2024, is indicative of the current trajectory he is on.

If the Pilgrims are unable to secure a return to the Championship this season, offers will undoubtedly come their way for the 24-year-old, at which point, a true idea of how strong their resolve is will be seen.

Whether he is capable of making the jump to Celtic right now remains to be seen, although he possesses all the natural attributes to be a hit in Glasgow, as Cleverley will be praying Plymouth can secure his services for at least one more season.